Before the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, all drivers – at the invitation of Lewis Hamilton – gathered for a joint dinner. It has become a tradition to conclude the season with a pleasant evening out. However, due to recent tensions between Max Verstappen and George Russell, the atmosphere might have been slightly more uncomfortable than usual.
On Thursday evening, several drivers shared a photo of the dinner on social media. Almost all drivers were present, with the exception of Kevin Magnussen, Fernando Alonso, and Lance Stroll, who undoubtedly had other commitments. However, Max Verstappen and George Russell were present. The two rivals had previously sparked a verbal war during media day at the Yas Marina Circuit. After the GP of Qatar, mutual respect seems to be hard to find.
Lando Norris, who previously indicated he could enjoy the rift between the two drivers, also shared a photo of the dinner on social media. “The dinner of 2024,” he wrote. “And yes, those two sat as far away from each other as possible,” he referred to Verstappen and Russell. Could it have been very uncomfortable at the table?
